Earring

ABSTRACT

An earring involves a first, second, and third segment, wherein the second segment couples the first segment to the third segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the first and third segments, and overlays at least a part of one of the antihelix or scapha. An alternative earring involves a helix engagement segment having an inflection point, an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end, and a decorative segment between the helix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment. None of the helix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorative segment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha, and the inflection point and terminal end are separated from each other at a linear distance in the range between 54 mm and 85 mm. An item of jewelry involves means for engaging the ear helix, means for engaging the earlobe, and means for separating and coupling the respective means for engaging.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to fine jewelry and, more particularly, toearrings.

BACKGROUND

Most earrings for pierced ears fall into two classes: stud earrings andhook or drop earrings.

A stud earring attaches to the earlobe via a post inserted into a holepierced in the wearer's earlobe and is maintained in place by a backingthat goes on to the end of the post behind the earlobe.

A hook or drop earring attaches to the earlobe using a curved “hook”that is partially inserted through a hole pierced in the wearer'searlobe such that part of the hook sits on the exterior-facing side ofthe earlobe below the hole and another part sits on the interior-facingside of the earlobe below the hole. This type of earring is maintainedin place by the weight of the earring attached to the hook below thehole and the fact that, to be removed, the hook must be curled in anexterior direction—which is almost impossible to happen through normalwearing.

Another type of ear ornamentation is called an “industrial bar” or,simply, an “ear bar” which attaches to the ear via, typically two, holespierced through the auricular cartilage of the ear helix and/or thescapha of the ear. However, this type of style is generally consideredto be out of the mainstream of fine jewelry.

People who have only a single piercing in their earlobe cannot wearearrings that require one or more additional piercings, or earornamentation that is specifically arranged to overlay the auricularcartilage of the ear helix and/or the scapha of the ear.

SUMMARY

I have devised an earring, for a person with a single, conventionalearlobe piercing, that incorporates aspects of an “industrial bar” or“ear bar” style in that they can overlay the auricular cartilage of theear helix and/or the scapha of the ear without requiring any additionalpiercing or departing from the styling common to fine jewelry.

One aspect of this disclosure involves an earring for wearing via ahuman ear, the earring comprising a first segment, a second segment, anda third segment. The second segment couples the first segment to thethird segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the firstand third segments, and, when worn, overlays at least a part of one ofthe antihelix or scapha. The first segment is shaped so that, when worn,it will wrap around the superior helix of the ear at a location within arange of 0 mm to 20 mm from the apex of the helix such that the firstsegment: a) will have at least two points of contact with the superiorhelix, at least one of which will be on the exterior surface of theinterior side of the helix, and b) does not pass through a piercing inthe helix or scapha. When the earring is worn, the third segment willpass through a piercing in the earlobe from an exterior side to aninterior side of the earlobe, such that the earlobe will exert a forceon the third segment that will be transferred to the first segment, as atorque force, via the second segment.

Another aspect involves an earring for wearing via a human ear. Theearring has three segments, a helix engagement segment having aninflection point, an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end,and a decorative segment located between, and coupled to, each of thehelix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment. None of thehelix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorativesegment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha. The inflectionpoint and terminal end are separated from each other by the decorativesegment at a linear distance in the range between 54 mm and 85 mm, andthe earlobe engagement segment has a cross sectional width, at itswidest point, in the range of 0.3211 mm to 1.0237 mm.

Yet a further aspect involves an item of jewelry, for wearing via ahuman ear, comprising: means for engaging the ear helix, means forengaging the earlobe, and means for separating and coupling the meansfor engaging the ear helix from the means for engaging the earlobe.Neither the means for engaging the ear helix nor the means forseparating and coupling are arranged to pass through any piercing in theear helix or scapha.

The foregoing and following outlines rather generally the features andtechnical advantages of one or more embodiments of this disclosure inorder that the following detailed description may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of this disclosure will be describedhereinafter, which may form the subject of the claims of thisapplication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

This disclosure is further described in the detailed description thatfollows, with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in simplified form, the relevant anatomy of atypical human ear;

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate, in simplified form, four different variants ofan earring constructed in accordance with the teachings herein;

FIGS. 3A-3C are enlarged views of the helix-engaging segments of,respectively, the earrings of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D;

FIG. 3D is a simplified view of an alternative variant of ahelix-engaging segment;

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate, in simplified form, different configurations thatestablish the advantageous variability available for the middle (spacer)segment 204 for decorative and/or functional purposes;

FIG. 8 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of a verysimple example variant earring constructed according to the teachingsherein;

FIG. 9 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of theearring of FIG. 8 by itself;

10A-10G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variantearring constructed according to the teachings herein;

11A-11G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variantearring constructed according to the teachings herein;

12A-12G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variantearring constructed according to the teachings herein;

13A-13G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variantearring constructed according to the teachings herein;

14A-14G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variantearring constructed according to the teachings herein;

FIG. 14H is a partial photograph of the earring of FIGS. 14A-14G thatshows how the chains of FIGS. 14A-14G will drape when worn;

FIG. 15 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of anothervery simple example variant earring constructed according to theteachings herein;

FIGS. 16A-16G illustrate, in simplified form different views of theexample variant earring of FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate, in simplified form, an additional examplevariant earring constructed according to the teachings herein;

FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate, in simplified form, one further examplevariant earring 1800, constructed according to the teachings herein; and

FIG. 18H is a partial photograph of the earring 1800 of FIGS. 18A-18G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of understanding, the term “interior” as used herein isintended to mean the side of the exterior surface(s) of the ear closestto the skull and the term “exterior” is intended to mean the exteriorsurfaces of the ear facing away from the skull.

In addition, the term “jewel” is intended to mean any of a preciousgemstone, a semiprecious gemstone, polished stone, an artificial gem(e.g., cubic zirconia), a pearl, polished shell, or simple glass,quartz, marcasite, or other material intended to look like, or createthe effect of, a gemstone, as well as any bead or polished and/or glossyelement commonly used as an accent in fine or costume jewelry.

Finally, the term “finding” is intended to mean a decorative jewelrycomponent, for example, a fine jewelry chain, bar, setting, enhancer,bead tip, bead cap, chandelier, head pin, eye pin, filigree, festoon,breloque, gallery strip, etc.

FIG. 1 illustrates, in simplified form, the relevant anatomy of atypical human ear 100 for purposes of definitional understanding.

As shown, the ear 100 is made up of several parts, the helix 102 whichis the outer rim of the upper part of the ear 100 defined by theunderlying auricular cartilage 104. In general, the “superior helix” 106is that portion of the helix (identified in FIG. 1 as the upper part ofthe helix 102 between the dotted line pair 110 a, 110 b) that is abovethe ear canal 108. The area located just within the helix 102 is thescapha 112, and the antihelix 114 is the raised portion defined bycartilage between the scapha 112 and the ear canal 108. The apex 116 ofthe helix 102 is the highest part of the helix 102.

The lowest part of the ear 100 is the earlobe 118 which, as shown, ispierced, meaning that it has a hole 120 that passes between the exteriorand interior sides of the earlobe 120 (as is conventional for piercedears).

FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate, in simplified form, four different variants ofan earring constructed in accordance with the teachings herein.

More particularly, FIG. 2A illustrates, in simplified form, a side viewof the main components of the simplest earring variant 200A according tothe teachings herein relative to a cross section of an ear 100,including its helix 102 and earlobe 118 with piercing hole 120.

Functionally, the earrings of all fo FIGS. 2A-2D are each made up ofthree segments: one segment 202 that engages or interacts with the helix102, another segment 206 that passes through the piercing hole 120 inthe earlobe 118, and a final segment 204 that both: (a) connects theprior two segments 202, 206 while maintaining them at a fixed spacing,and (b) will typically carry decorations or ornamentation in somemanner, for example, by having coupled to it one or more jewels orfindings. Note here that variants of either or both of the other twosegments 202, 206 could, of course, carry, or be partially made of,decorations or ornamentation as well. In addition, typically, thesegment 202 that engages or interacts with the helix 102 will do sowithin 15-20 mm to either side of the helix 102 of the wearer's ear 102.

As can be seen in FIG. 2A, due to the shape in this configuration, whenthe earring 200A is worn, the segment 206 that interacts with theearlobe 118 will generally have a force (F) applied to it by the earlobegenerally in the normal direction, as shown by the arrow “X” (which willalso tend to deform the piercing hole 120). As a result of thisconfiguration, part of the earlobe 118 will act as a fulcrum such thatsome portion of the force F will be transferred to the segment 202 atthe opposite end of the earring 200 resulting in a force (F′) beingapplied to the interior side of the helix 102, as shown by arrow “Y” anddriving it towards the helix 102 to aid in maintaining placement of thatsegment 202. In addition, as a result of this configuration, there willbe at least three points of contact between the earring 200A and ear100, at least two with the helix 102 and at least one with the earlobe118.

As is the case with the earring 200A of FIG. 2A, and will also be thecase with the other configuration variants described herein, thesegments 202, 204, 206 can all have the same diameter (if round in crosssection) or widest width (if non-circular in cross section), or thosedimensions can vary, both within a segment 202, 204, 206, or between twosegments. Nevertheless, it is contemplated that the smallest dimensionfor any segment 202, 204, 206 will likely be 0.250 mm (0.0098 inches)and, in the case of the segments 202, 204 the widest dimension may go upto as much as 3.50 mm. It is contemplated that the segment that engagesthe earlobe 118 will typically be dimensioned in the range of 0.3000 mmto 1.0300 mm, and, in most cases, not larger to avoid adverselystretching the earlobe piercing hole 120.

Moreover, in some variants, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118can be tapered towards the terminal end, and in others, the terminal endcan be blunted or rounded.

Table 1 below identifies some standard jewelry wire gauges anddimensions (in inches and millimeters) that are particularlycontemplated for use in one or more of the segments 202, 204, 206:

TABLE 1 Segment Sizing (Diameter/Widest dimension) Gauge InchMillimeters 18 0.0403 1.0237 20 0.0320 0.8118 21 0.0285 0.7229 22 0.02530.6438 24 0.0201 0.5106 26 0.0159 0.4048 28 0.0126 0.3211

FIG. 2B illustrates, in simplified form, a side view of the maincomponents of an alternative earring variant 200B that is similar to theearring of FIG. 2A except for two differences. First, it contains asmall ball 208 on the terminal end of the segment 202 that engages thehelix 102, predominantly for improving wearer comfort and minimizingpotential abrasion or irritation of the wearer's skin. Second, thesegment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is smoothly offset from one orboth of the other two segments so that, when worn, the force applied bythe earlobe 118 to the earring segment 204 will be reduced and,consequently, the opposite force applied to the helix 102 by the othersegment 202 will be reduced. This configuration may be advantageous, forexample, for earrings with heavier decoration and/or where the crosssection in the widest direction (if non-circular) of one or both of thesegments 202, 206 is larger.

At this point, it should also be noted that, in both FIG. 2A and FIG.2B, the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is parallel to part ofthe legs of the helix-engaging segment 202 and the middle (spacer)segment 204. In the case of FIG. 2A, the segment 206 that engages theearlobe 118 is also coaxially aligned with the middle segment 204.

FIG. 2C illustrates, in simplified form, a partial perspective view ofthe main components of an alternative earring variant 200C that issimilar to the earring of FIG. 2A except that, with this variant, (a)the helix-engaging segment 202 is split into two parts (in a “Y” shape)so that each “branch” would separately engage the helix 102 of the ear100, and (b) the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 is oriented atan angle θ offset with respect to the middle segment 204. Depending uponthe particular variant implementation, the angle θ will typically rangefrom 0° to 90° and, more particularly, will be less than 60° and, evenmore particularly, will be less than 30° angular offset.

Here, it should be noted that, in the case of a straight middle (spacer)segment 204, the offset angle θ would be measured as shown (i.e.,relative to a projection of that segment 204). In the case of a curvedmiddle (spacer) segment 204, the offset angle θ would generally bemeasured relative to a plane that is formed by the curve or,alternatively, a plane essentially parallel to an average plane formedby the apex 116 of an ear helix 102, the location of the piercing hole120 and the base of the superior helix 106 opposite from, and alignedwith, the opening of the ear canal 108.

FIG. 2D illustrates, in simplified form, a partial perspective view ofthe main components of an alternative earring variant 200D that issimilar to the earring of FIG. 2D except that, with this variant, (a)the helix-engaging segment 202 is formed in a “T” shape with the partsthat would engage the helix 102 being connected to the ends of the “T”crossbar, and (b) the segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 isoriented at an offset angle of 90° with respect to the middle segment204 so that it can be inserted into the piercing hole 120 in the earlobe118 in the same manner as the post of a conventional earring.Optionally, for this configuration variant 200D, although not necessaryor preferred, a locking notch can be included on the segment 206 thatengages the earlobe 118, because, with a 90° offset, this segment 206will seem to some wearers like a conventional earring post and,therefore, they may be uncomfortable not using a conventional earringbacking with it.

At this point it should be noted that the shape of the helix engagementsegment 202, particularly the part that, when worn, is on the interiorside of the ear 100, need not be one of the shapes shown. Indeed, thatportion can be a loop, a plate or any other shape, the important aspectbeing that it will sufficiently abut the interior side of the helix 102,to assist in retaining that segment 202 in place, not the shape used todo so.

Likewise, it should be understood, as will become apparent below, thatthe cross section of the helix engagement segment 202 and middle(spacer) segment 204 can be round, oval, square, rectangular,triangular, or any other shape (for example, in the case of the middle(spacer) segment 204, cross sections that cause the middle (spacer)segment 204 to appear to be a spiral, or a shape that results in themiddle (spacer) segment 204 appearing as a filagree) the shape being amatter of design choice provided that, in the case of the helixengagement segment 202, the shape allows, directly or indirectly, thehelix engagement segment 202 to engage the helix 102 as describedherein. Moreover, it is to be understood that even the earlobeengagement section 206 can have a cross section other than round in somevariants.

Finally, in general, and with respect to FIGS. 2A-2D in particular, itis contemplated that the overall length of the earrings, measured fromthe top of the helix engagement segment 202 to the terminal end of theearlobe engagement section 206, measured linearly, will generally bebetween 54 mm and 85 mm and, more typically, between 65 mm and 80 mm.However, it is to be understood that these lengths are based upon commonear morphology and the need for engagement of the helix 102 at one endand passage through the piercing 120 through the earlobe 118, at theother, by a sufficient amount to extend, in the case of variants similarto FIGS. 2A-2C, typically to near the bottom of the earlobe 118, if notextend beyond it when worn.

FIGS. 3A-3C are enlarged views of the helix-engaging segments 202 of,respectively, the earrings 200A, 200C, 200D of FIGS. 2A, 2C and 2D.

In general, and as shown, the interior and exterior leg(s) 302 a, 302 bof the helix-engaging segment 202 will typically be spaced apart fromeach other by a median spacing (“s”) in the range of 6.3 mm to 7.6 mmand will have a length (“h”) of at least between 9 mm and 14 mm whenmeasured from the peak 306 (i.e., its inflection point) to the terminalend of the interior leg 302 a on a perpendicular as shown (in the caseof the segments 202 of FIG. 3B and FIG. 3C, to the center of animaginary line between the two interior legs 302 a).

FIG. 3D is a simplified view of an alternative variant of ahelix-engaging segment 202 that includes a plate 304 on the terminal endof the interior leg 302 a to increase the surface area that will contacta wearer's helix 102 on the interior side.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate, in simplified form, different configurations thatestablish the advantageous variability available for the middle (spacer)segment 204 for decorative and/or functional purposes.

Specifically, FIG. 4 illustrates, in simplified form, one examplevariant middle (spacer) segment 204, which has a non-uniform width overits surface 402 and is curved, in this case, with a curvature thatsubstantially conforms to the longitudinal curvature of the auricularcartilage 104 of a typical wearer's helix 102. At this point, it shouldbe noted that “substantially conforms” is intended to mean that it has acurvature that evokes part of a common ear helix 102 shape even when notworn, and even if it does not specifically conform to any particularindividual wearer's helix 102 curvature.

FIG. 5 illustrates, in simplified form, another alternative examplevariant middle (spacer) segment 204, which has variable width over itssurface 402 and is formed into an asymmetrical “zig-zag” shape.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in simplified form, yet another alternative examplevariant middle (spacer) segment 204, that is, in part, formed in auniform zig-zag shape. Advantageously, with this variant, the materialused and shape are features that, individually or collectively, allowfor nominal modification (longer or shorter by a few (e.g., 1 to 5)millimeters) of the segment 204 length, if desired, for example, toaccommodate the variability of ear length, while minimizing distortionof the aesthetics from any such nominal modification.

FIG. 7 illustrates, in simplified form, still another alternativeexample variant middle (spacer) segment 204, shaped in a shape evocativeof a somewhat flattened coil spring. As with the variant of FIG. 6, thisvariant includes a feature that can also allow for nominal modificationof the segment 204 length, if desired.

At this point it should be noted that a zig-zag or coil are only two ofthe myriad feature components that can, individually or collectively, beincluded to allow for nominal modification of the segment 204 length, ifdesired.

FIGS. 8-9, 10A-10Q 11A-11Q 12A-12Q 13A-13Q 14A-14H, 15, 16A-16Q 17A-17Qand 18A-18H illustrate further example variant earrings according to theteachings herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of a verysimple example variant earring 800, constructed according to theteachings herein that is similar to that of FIG. 2A except that it has aball finding 802 on the end of the interior side of the helix-engagingsegment 202. The broken line ear 100 is provided to show the intendedpositioning on an ear when worn. As can be seen, the middle (spacer)segment 204 passes over (i.e., overlays) a part of the antihelix 114and/or scapha 112 (in this specific example, both). FIG. 9 illustrates,in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring 800 of FIG. 8 byitself.

FIGS. 10A-10G illustrate, in simplified form, a further example variantearring 1000, constructed according to the teachings herein. Moreparticularly, FIG. 10A is a perspective view of this variant earring1000, FIG. 10B is a front elevation view of the earring 1000, FIG. 10Cis a top plan view of this earring 1000, FIG. 10D is a right sideelevation view of this earring 1000, FIG. 10E is a left side elevationview of this earring 1000, FIG. 10F is a rear elevation view of thisearring 1000 and FIG. 10G is a bottom plan view of the earring 800. Asshown, this variant earring 1000 includes two bezel mounted jewels 1002,1004 that are coupled to the middle (spacer) segment 204 and a thirdbezel mounted jewel 802 is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202near its inflection point 306.

FIGS. 11A-11G illustrate, in simplified form, another example variantearring 1100, constructed according to the teachings herein. Moreparticularly, FIG. 11A is a perspective view of this variant earring1100, FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of the earring 1100, FIG. 11Cis a top plan view of this earring 1100, FIG. 11D is a right sideelevation view of this earring 1100, FIG. 11E is a left side elevationview of this earring 1100, FIG. 11F is a rear elevation view of thisearring 1100 and FIG. 11G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1100. Asshown, this variant earring 1100 includes a bar-type finding 1102coupled to the middle (spacer) segment 204. The two ends 1104 of thebar-type finding 1102 each include a further decorative jewel element1106 (e.g., a cabochon of onyx), and a similar decorative jewel element1108 is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202 near its inflectionpoint 306.

FIGS. 12A-12G illustrate, in simplified form, yet another examplevariant earring 1200, constructed according to the teachings herein,that is similar to that of FIGS. 11A-11G except that, with this variantearring 1200, the decorative jewel elements 1104, 1106 of FIGS. 11A-11Gare replaced by alternative elements 1202, for example, gold or platinumballs. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of this variant earring 1200, FIG.12B is a front elevation view of the earring 1200, FIG. 12C is a topplan view of this earring 1200, FIG. 12D is a right side elevation viewof this earring 1200, FIG. 12E is a left side elevation view of thisearring 1200, FIG. 12F is a rear elevation view of this earring 1200 andFIG. 12G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1200.

FIGS. 13A-13G illustrate, in simplified form, an additional variantearring 1300, constructed according to the teachings herein. Moreparticularly, FIG. 13A is a perspective view of this variant earring1300, FIG. 13B is a front elevation view of the earring 1300, FIG. 13Cis a top plan view of this earring 1300, FIG. 13D is a right sideelevation view of this earring 1300, FIG. 13E is a left side elevationview of this earring 1300, FIG. 13F is a rear elevation view of thisearring 1300 and FIG. 13G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1300. Asshown, this variant earring 1300 includes a prong mounted jewel 1302near the lower third of the middle (spacer) segment 204, along with asimilar prong-mounted jewel 1304 coupled to about midway up the exteriorside leg of the helix-engaging segment 202, and a series of five jewels1306 coupled to each other in using a finding 1308 that is an arc shapedmulti jewel setting, with the arc mount finding 1308 coupled to themiddle (spacer) segment 204.

FIGS. 14A-14G illustrate, in simplified form, yet a further examplevariant earring 1400, constructed according to the teachings herein.More particularly, FIG. 14A is a perspective view of this variantearring 1400, FIG. 14B is a front elevation view of the earring 1400,FIG. 14C is a top plan view of this earring 1400, FIG. 14D is a rightside elevation view of this earring 1400, FIG. 14E is a left sideelevation view of this earring 1400, FIG. 14F is a rear elevation viewof this earring 1400 and FIG. 14G is a bottom plan view of the earring1400. As shown, with this variant earring 1400, the only adornmentappears on the helix-engaging segment 202 and comprises a set of threedifferent sized bezel-mounted jewels 1402, 1404, 1406 and threedifferent length chains 1408, 1410, 1412 each being respectively coupledto one of the bezel-mounted jewels 1402, 1404, 1406 at one end of thechain, with the other end of the chain coupled to the helix-engagingsegment 202 on the rear facing side of the interior side leg 302 a suchthat, when worn, the chains will each hang and wrap around part of thewearer's helix 102. FIG. 14H is a partial photograph of the earring 1400of FIGS. 14A-14G that shows how the chains 1408, 1410, 1412 of FIGS.14A-14G will drape when worn. As can also be seen in FIG. 14H, themiddle segment 204 passes directly over a portion of the antihelix 114and scapha 112.

FIG. 15 illustrates, in simplified form, a perspective view of anothervery simple example variant earring 1500, constructed according to theteachings herein. The broken line ear 100 is provided to show theintended positioning on an ear when worn. As can be seen, with thisvariant 1500, the middle segment 204 only passes over (i.e., overlays)part of the scapha 112 and is curved to evoke a sense of conformancewith curvature of part of the helix 102 of the ear 100.

FIGS. 16A-16G illustrate, in simplified form different views of theexample variant earring of FIG. 15. Specifically, FIG. 16A illustrates,in simplified form, a perspective view of the earring 1500 of FIG. 15 byitself. FIG. 16B is a front elevation view of the earring 1500, FIG. 16Cis a top plan view of this earring 1500, FIG. 16D is a right sideelevation view of this earring 1500, FIG. 16E is a left side elevationview of this earring 1500, FIG. 16F is a rear elevation view of thisearring 1500 and FIG. 16G is a bottom plan view of the earring 1500.With this variant earring 1500, the middle (spacer) segment 204 iscurved and all of the segments 202, 204, 206 are round in cross sectionwith the same, constant, diameter. As can also be seen, thehelix-engaging segment 202 is offset in alignment from (in this variant,parallel to) the segment 206 by a distance delta (A).

FIGS. 17A-17G illustrate, in simplified form, an additional examplevariant earring 1700, constructed according to the teachings herein,that is the same as the earring 1500 of FIGS. 16A-16G except that themiddle (spacer) segment 204 contains a single, prong-mounted, jewel1702. More particularly, FIG. 17A is a perspective view of this variantearring 1700, FIG. 17B is a front elevation view of the earring 1700,FIG. 17C is a top plan view of this earring 1700, FIG. 17D is a rightside elevation view of this earring 1700, FIG. 17E is a left sideelevation view of this earring 1700, FIG. 17F is a rear elevation viewof this earring 1700 and FIG. 17G is a bottom plan view of the earring1700.

FIGS. 18A-18G illustrate, in simplified form, one further examplevariant earring 1800, constructed according to the teachings herein.More particularly, FIG. 18A is a perspective view of this variantearring 1800, FIG. 18B is a front elevation view of the earring 1800,FIG. 18C is a top plan view of this earring 1800, FIG. 18D is a rightside elevation view of this earring 1800, FIG. 18E is a left sideelevation view of this earring 1800, FIG. 18F is a rear elevation viewof this earring 1800 and FIG. 18G is a bottom plan view of the earring1800. As with the earring 1500, of FIGS. 25, 16A-16G and earring 1700 ofFIGS. 17A-17G this variant earring 1800 also has a curved middle(spacer) segment 204. However, with this variant earring 1800, themiddle (spacer) segment 204 is not round, it is flat, and has a constantwidest dimension that is wider than that of both the helix-engagingsegment 202 and segment 206 that engages the earlobe 118. In addition,this earring 1800 includes two bezel mounted cabochons 1802, 1804, one1802 at the intersection of the middle (spacer) segment 204 andhelix-engaging segment 202 and the other 1804 at the intersection of themiddle (spacer) segment 204 and segment 206 that engages the earlobe118. Additionally, a third bezel mounted cabochon 1806 is coupled to thehelix-engaging segment 202. FIG. 18H is a partial photograph of theearring 1800 of FIGS. 18A-18G that shows how the middle (spacer) segment204 only passes over a portion of the scapha 112 and its curve isintended to evoke conformance with curvature of part of the helix 102 ofthe ear 100. Note that, in this picture, the bezel mounted cabochon 1806that is coupled to the helix-engaging segment 202 is obscured by thehair from view.

With respect to the overall design, it is to be understood that,although the helix-engaging segment 202 has generally been shown ascurved, it could also be squared (in which case it would not have aninflection point), have a sharp peak, a non-uniform shape, or any othershape provided that it is present on both sides of the wearer's helix102 when the earring is worn. Similarly, any one or more of the segments202, 204, 206 could be tapered. Additionally, it is to be appreciatedthat none of the designs illustrated herein are configured to require apiercing in the ear helix or scapha in order to be worn with one segment202 engaging the helix 102 and another segment 206 engaging the earlobe118 of the wearer.

Finally, with respect to materials, since the earrings described hereinare typically intended as fine jewelry, it is generally contemplatedthat each of the segments 202, 204, 206 will be made of a preciousmetal, e.g., platinum, gold, silver, etc. However, it is to beunderstood that it, with some variants, two or more of the segments canbe made of different materials and, in some cases, for example ifimplemented as costume jewelry, one or more of the segments may not bemade of a precious metal at all. For example, with some variants, thesegment 206 that engages the earlobe 118 may be made of stainless steel,while the middle (spacer) segment 204 may be made of a precious metal,or vice versa. With some variants, this may similarly be the case withthe helix-engaging segment 202 and middle (spacer) segment 204, or forthe helix-engaging segment 202 and segment 206 that engages the earlobe118.

Having described and illustrated the principles of this application byreference to one or more example embodiments, it should be apparent thatthe embodiment(s) may be modified in arrangement and detail withoutdeparting from the principles disclosed herein and that it is intendedthat the application be construed as including all such modificationsand variations insofar as they come within the spirit and scope of thesubject matter disclosed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An earring for wearing via a human ear, theearring comprising: a first segment; a second segment; and a thirdsegment; wherein the second segment couples the first segment to thethird segment, maintains a spaced-apart relationship between the firstand third segments, and, when worn, overlays at least a part of one ofthe antihelix or scapha; wherein the first segment is shaped so that,when worn, it will wrap around the superior helix of the ear at alocation within a range of 0 mm to 20 mm from the apex of the helix suchthat the first segment a) will have at least two points of contact withthe superior helix, at least one of which will be on the exteriorsurface of the interior side of the helix, and b) does not pass througha piercing in the helix or scapha; wherein, when the earring is worn,the third segment will pass through a piercing in the earlobe from anexterior side to an interior side of the earlobe, such that the earlobewill exert a force on the third segment that will be transferred to thefirst segment, as a torque force, via the second segment.
 2. The earringof claim 1, wherein the second segment is straight.
 3. The earring ofclaim 1, wherein the second segment is curved along at least a portionof its length.
 4. The earring of claim 3, wherein part of the curve atleast partially conforms to a longitudinal curvature of part of theauricular cartilage of a wearer's helix.
 5. The earring of claim 1further comprising: at least one of a jewel or finding coupled to thesecond segment.
 6. The earring of claim 1, wherein a part of the firstsegment is co-linear with part of the second segment.
 7. The earring ofclaim 1, wherein a part of the first segment is parallel to part of thesecond segment.
 8. The earring of claim 1, wherein the third segment hasan angular offset.
 9. The earring of claim 8, wherein a) if the secondsegment is a straight line, the angularly offset portion is oriented atan angle from the second segment, and b) if the second segment is curvedin a plane, the angularly offset portion is oriented at an angle fromthe plane.
 10. The earring of claim 1, wherein the second segment has alocation where its widest cross sectional dimension is wider than anycross sectional dimension of at least one of the first section or thethird section.
 11. The earring of claim 1, wherein the second segmentcomprises at least one feature that allows for modification of thesecond segment length.
 12. An earring for wearing via a human ear, theearring comprising: three segments a helix engagement segment having aninflection point; an earlobe engagement segment having a terminal end;and a decorative segment located between, and coupled to, each of thehelix engagement segment and earlobe engagement segment; wherein none ofthe helix engagement segment, earlobe engagement segment, or decorativesegment pass through a piercing of the helix or scapha; wherein theinflection point and terminal end are separated from each other by thedecorative segment at a linear distance in the range of between 54 mmand 85 mm; and wherein the earlobe engagement segment has a crosssectional width, at its widest point, in the range of 0.3211 mm to1.0237 mm.
 13. The earring of claim 12, wherein the linear distance isbetween 65 mm and 80 mm.
 14. The earring of claim 12, wherein the helixengagement segment has an outward-facing portion, and the earringfurther comprises: a decorative element, coupled to at least one of thedecorative segment or the outward facing portion of the helix engagementsegment, wherein the decorative element includes at least one jewel orfinding.
 15. The earring of claim 12, wherein the decorative segmentcomprises a straight portion.
 16. The earring of claim 12, wherein thedecorative segment comprises a curved portion.
 17. The earring of claim12, wherein the helix engagement segment comprises: a first sectionwhich, when worn, will be on the interior side of the helix, and asecond section which, when worn, will be on the interior side of thehelix, wherein the first section and the second section are spaced apartfrom each other by a distance in the range of 6.5 mm to 7.5 mm, measuredperpendicular to one of the first section or the second section.
 18. Anitem of jewelry, for wearing via a human ear, comprising: means forengaging the ear helix; means for engaging the earlobe; and means forseparating and coupling the means for engaging the ear helix from themeans for engaging the earlobe; wherein neither the means for engagingthe ear helix nor the means for separating and coupling are arranged topass through any piercing in the ear helix or scapha.
 19. The item ofjewelry of claim 18, wherein the means for engaging the earlobe has afirst cross sectional width in its widest direction and the means forseparating and coupling has a second cross sectional width in its widestdirection, and wherein the first cross sectional width and second crosssectional width are different.
 20. The item of jewelry of claim 18wherein the means for separating and coupling includes at least onedecorative element coupled to it comprising at least one jewel orfinding.